Church creates life-size advent calendar to give back to the community
Woodcliff United Church is spreading the Christmas cheer this season with a life-size advent calendar outside its doors.
The community project is six metres long, made from drawers, dressers and cabinets.
“Every single day a different drawer is unlocked. Each drawer has something special in it you can pick up,” said Sheri Bolitho, children’s ministry co-ordinator for the church.
Holiday goodies free to the public include Christmas ornaments, treats, candy and dog treats.
The project aims to encourage “fun interaction with the surrounding community and those who are passing by the area on their way to Edworthy Park.”
The calendar also has a charitable component, as it was used to collect hats and small personal hygiene items for the Drop-In Centre on Dec. 5. More than 100 items, including toques and mitts, were donated.
The church will also hold a food bank drive on Dec. 20.
Bolitho said it’s the first time the initiative has been done by the church.
“It’s been pretty awesome,” she said. “We have kids that have changed their walk routes home from school to make sure they get to come every day. It’s really just to let people know that Woodcliff is in the community, we’re there for them and outreach is a big part of our focus.”